How to Clean Your Eyelash Estensions

Why do I need to use Baking Soda?

Baking Soda is mildly antiseptic and very soothing to the eyes, helping to calm allergic reactions and neutralise impurities like chlorine. It adjusts the PH and it makes the baby shampoo a more effective cleanser and buffers the gas produced by the glue when it is curing, reducing possibilities of sensitivity. The combination of baby shampoo and baking soda is one often recommended by opthalmologists to care for eye conditions and irritations.

Why do I need to use bottled water?

We need a clean mixture, free of the bacteria, that is likely to be lurking around taps, kitchens and bathrooms.

What is the foam pumper for?

The specialised foamer bottle takes the liquid and injects air as it dispenses, to foam the product, making the “lash poo” mixture into a foam, which makes it very easy for the cleanser to get between the lashes. The soapy foam’s high water and air content also makes it easy to rinse away, leaving the lashes squeaky clean, without any residue.

So, how do I wash my extensions?

This part is very easy! Make up the “Lash Poo”, using the simple recipe. Take a small ball of foam in your fingers and keeping your eyes closed, move the foam over your lashes. No need to rub at them at all, just use gentle strokes, from the root to the tip. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. You can leave them to dry naturally, or if you want to, you can lightly blow dry them on a low heat. You can gently brush through your lashes with the enclosed wand.

Recipe for “Lash Poo”

Take the following ingredients and add them to your foam pumper:
1 part baby shampoo
3 parts bottled, or purified water (NOT tap water)
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
OR
Use Sterilid ($15, walgreens.com)
OR
Ultra Calm Foaming Cleanser (CVS)

You can just pat them dry, no need for blow dryer unless you want too!

What's the Story With Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation?

Dark areas... freckles... uneven skin tone... dull complexion... sun spots... liver spots... discoloration... these are all ways to describe something that most of us deal with at one time or another — hyperpigmentation. But what exactly is hyperpigmentation, how did we end up with it, and how can we get rid of it, so we can get our beautiful even complexion back, and move on with our lives? Let’s dive in and find out!

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is most simply described as an uneven discoloration of the skin. Excess pigmentation in the skin causes skin cells to become darker than the ones around them, creating dark patches of skin that stand out from the rest.

Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our skin, and when excess melanin is produced, areas of the skin become darker, causing hyperpigmentation to occur.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Medications: Some medications can cause skin to be ultra sensitive to sun exposure, making it more likely that dark spots will occur. Cancer treatments, some antibiotics, acne drugs, and anti-seizure medications are among some of the most likely culprits to watch out for.

Hormones: If you’ve ever been pregnant, you’ve likely heard of (or been a victim of) the “mask of pregnancy.” Otherwise known as Melasma, this hormone induced darkening of the skin, usually on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, belly, and hands, gets worse with sun exposure, and is due to an increase in hormones coursing through the body.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Sometimes after an injury, the skin at the site of the injury will be dark for at time. This is commonly seen with acne scarring and is the body’s natural reaction to inflammation.

Too much sun: Overexposure to the sun can give you a nice glow, but over time it can also leave behind sun spots, age spots, and discoloration on the hands and face.

Getting Rid of Hyperpigmentation

Now for the big question? Can we get rid of our hyperpigmentation and have the bright, clear complexion we want?

The answer is yes, according to Jennifer Linder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon. “The good news,” says Dr. Linder, who herself struggled with hyperpigmentation as an adult, “is that with the right combination of professional treatments and daily care products, we can lift existing hyperpigmentation and inhibit its continual formation.”

Steps to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Prevention

The first step in treating hyperpigmentation is to begin the process of prevention. While in some cases there is little you can do about hormone levels, we can control the amount of UV light we expose our skin to. Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and remember to reapply every two hours.

Meet with a professional

Next, make an appointment with your favorite licensed esthetician and put a game plan together. Depending on the severity of the pigmentation problem, and how much it bothers you, there are many options available to you:

Skin brightening and lightening products

Products designed to lessen the effects of hyperpigmentation can be incorporated into your daily routine to gradually diminish dark spots and dull skin.

Typical ingredients effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, and typically found in reputable products include hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid. PCA skin has an excellent line of products to treat varying degrees of hyperpigmentation, such as the Pigment Bar and the Pigment Gel. A trip to visit your licensed esthetician will help you determine which products would be best for your particular type and severity of pigmentation.

Chemical peels

To increase cell turnover and help lighten pigmentation, a professional can administer a chemical peel which can help minimize nearly all types of hyperpigmentation. These typically include higher levels of ingredients found in your over-the-counter skin lightening products, and usually work faster. Always employ the expertise of a licensed professional who can help you determine which treatments will best help your particular situation.

Microdermabrasion

Another option is Microdermabrasion, which is another way of removing darkened skin and improving cell turnover. The procedure also boosts collagen production, which can result in a more even looking skin tone.

Micro-needling or Dermarolling

Using a procedure where tiny needles are injected at a rapid rate into the skin, either with an electric pen or a roller device, the deep layers of skin that cannot be reached with chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, or lightening treatments are targeted.

A very small amount of damage is caused beneath the skin...just enough to inspire the body to dissolve old tissue and produce new collagen and cells at a rapid rate, turning over younger healthier skin with a bright clear tone.

Micro-needling and dermarolling is essentially painless, as the needles are very small and short. It feels very similar to microdermabrasion actually, and the depth of the needles are adjustable. If a more aggressive approach is required, a numbing cream is used to make the process comfortable for all involved.

If dark patches or an uneven complexion are troubling you, don’t waste another moment. You can take control of your beauty and the health of your skin today. Call us (530-305-3908) at the Stonehouse Spa and Boutique.

Everything You Need to Know About Eyelash Extensions

While a few lucky women were blessed with long luscious lashes, some of us gals weren’t favored in this department. Mascara can help, but it can be time consuming to apply, and can leave smudgy rings under your eyes after just a few hours of wear. More and more savvy women are finding that the smart way to go is having eyelash extension applied.

Professional eyelash extensions solve a lot of beauty problems for women:

1. You instantly get long, thick, beautiful eyelashes.

2. No more mascara application. You’ll save some time in the morning on application, and in the evening on removal.

3. If you are a curler, you’ll no longer be putting any stress on the follicle, so the hair will actually be healthier and lashes thicker.

4. Your eyes will be less prone to irritation and infection without any mascara products being poked and prodded around so close to your sockets.

Here’s what you need to know before you get lash extensions…

1. Don’t go to just anyone. Find a licensed esthetician who has a great reputation and stellar word-of-mouth. Look on her Facebook page, check Yelp, and call for referrals.

2. Once you find a reputable salon or technician, relax. It doesn’t hurt. Your certified lash technician will either gently tape your lower lashes down, or weigh them down with moist pads, to keep them out of the way of her glue, and you will relax comfortably while she nimbly glues individual lashes to each of your existing lashes. There’s no poking or pulling, but the work does require skill and dexterity, so you do want someone with experience.

3. Lash extensions won’t damage your existing lashes. Your real lashes will shed and grow in their normal growth cycle, but will otherwise remain the same. Once the glue is dry and set, after the first 24 hours, you can brush and separate your lashes, and shower normally.

4. You can get lash extensions in several types of materials (such as synthetic, silk, and mink) and lengths, and they can be applied using various types of glue. Each salon and technician will have her own preference, and she will be able to help you find the best fit for you. Take caution to avoid salons that use glue containing formaldehyde, as this can be harmful.

5. Expect the first full application of lashes to take two hours. Each subsequent touch up will take roughly half an hour each week, or one hour every two weeks to maintain, as lashes will naturally fall out over time. Your eyes will be closed during the application process so there is little change of any glue getting into your eye.

For some, lash extensions are an indulgence to be savored periodically for the yearly Xmas party or a wedding. For others, the constant compliments on their heightened beauty, and the time saving liberation of throwing that old mascara in the trash is well worth the trip down to the Stonehouse Spa and Boutique once every week or two for a lash fill. We invite you to give it a try. You never know, you might just fall in love:)

3 Quick Tips to Better Hydrate That Summer Skin

Cracked itchy skin is irritating! Not to mention it’s hardly complimentary. 

We could go on and on about the challenges we face with our skin, but the truth is, you already know the problem. What you really want to know is the solution.

Here’s how you can help hydrate and get beautiful skin from the inside out:

Eat Your Water

Even though most people would guess that drinking water would come up first on the list, we’re going to go with the experts on this one and put eating your water at the top.

Top beauty experts and nutritionists agree that the best way to hydrate your skin is to fill up on the nutrient dense foods that contain the water you need to hydrate. 

Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, lemon, and cucumber contain valuable water, and also vitamins and minerals, that your body can use to replenish stores and repair damaged cells.

Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps reduce signs of aging and hydrates skin by helping retain collagen and keeping cells healthy and plump, thus making you look youthful and vibrant.

Be sure to get plenty of Vitamin C rich foods, such as bell pepper, broccoli, and citrus, but consider a supplement as well to be sure you are getting adequate amounts.

To help support this step, consider using PCA Skin care C-Quench® Antioxidant Serum to with bioavailable forms of Vitamin C to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles from the outside.

Get Your Beauty Rest

When we rest our head is when our body is working hard to repair damaged cells to tip top working condition. All the vitamins and support in the world won’t amount to much if we don’t get the down time we need to revitalize.

Most experts agree that a healthy amount of sleep for the average adult is anywhere between 6-9 hours, depending on the person and age. Creating a consistent pattern of sleep will allow your largest bodily organ, your skin, to adequately repair and completely beautify.
Do your part this summer to get your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing by eating water rich foods, getting plenty of Vitamin C, and making the commitment to get your beauty rest. Our bodies are amazing machines when we give them the right tools! 

Also stop by and see us for some pampering too. We have some amazing PCS Skin treatments in our magic toolbox as well, and our specials this month are specifically aimed at getting your skin hydrated and glowing. 

And don’t forget to take advantage of our discounted Age Defy Facials this month for only $85! Purchase one for you or a friend or loved one today and strut into summer feeling fantastic.

Call us today at 530-305-3908 to make your next appointment!

How do I relieve Dark Circles, Puffiness and Eye Fatigue?

The skin around the eyes is very delicate and thinner than most other areas of the face. It has no oil glands and a fine texture. This area requires special care and reflects neglect, abuse, aging, stress, internal health and lifestyle very easily. In fact, dark circles around the eyes can also develop due to hereditary factors, lack of sleep, illness, stress and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, along with external treatment, it is advisable to take these aspects into consideration in order to establish the cause and bring about the necessary changes.

Externally - you can use an eye cream.  There are three main ingredients to look for in an eye cream:

1. retinol which is an anti-wrinkle agent,
2. Vitamin K which is also known as Phytonadione, which can plump up the eye area and decrease dark circles
3. Vitamin C which reduces puffiness, dark circles & wrinkles.

Eye fatigue can also be relieved with washing. Wash your eyes with warm water and follow this with cold water. This improves blood circulation to the eyes and soothes them. It also cleanses the eyes and relieves congestion.

Below are some home remedies to reduce dark circles under the eyes:

1. cover your eyelids with slices of raw potato or cucumber for 15-20 minutes then wash with warm water
 2. Use a cucumber, squeeze it to remove its juice and refrigerate. Make a mixture of lemon juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
3. Apply lemon juice on the black circles 2 times a day.
4. Make a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice and apply to the dark circles under the eyes.
5. Apply crushed mint around the eye area
 6. Apply almond oil under eyes. Almond helps to remove dark circles and is an excellent "skin food". Remove the cream applied around the eye after 10 min.

Another option is to use a moisturizer containing five percent niacinamide. A study was done using this cream and after four weeks, the hyperpigmentation and skin color were analyzed by computer and most patients experienced decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness. Topical niacinamide has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potential treatment for puffy eyes and dark circles.
               
Puffiness Prevention

• A healthy well balanced diet is key but there’s new info that says eating two kiwis a day in yogurt can help to eliminate bags.

• Drink Plenty of H20. Drinking water helps flush the toxins from your body as well as reduce water retention. Try restricting caffeine as this can also bloat you.

• Cut the salt. This is such a simple little tip with big results. Try limiting salt for a week and notice the difference.

Nautral Remedies

• Place cotton balls soaked in milk under your eyes for a few minutes. The lactic acid in the milk helps reduce puffiness and darkness.

• Take protective eye wear or swim goggles; fill with water and freeze. Place on eyes for five minutes.

• Freeze a couple of spoons over night. In the morning rest them on your eyes until they are not cold any longer. If you make an effort to do this every morning you will see a big difference in about two weeks.

• Slice one small piece off of a potato, and cut the slice in half. Put each slice under your eyes and leave them under your eyes for 20 minutes.

• Place two thin lemon slices directly onto your bags or circles. Don’t squeeze your eyes tightly but be careful not to open. After 20 minutes carefully rinse off with cold water.

• Soak two cucumbers in lemon juice for 3-5 minutes. To help get rid of dark circles and puffiness place cucumbers on your eyes for about 10-15 minutes.

PCA Skin Car EyeXcellence Available at StoneHouse Spa 144 Oakwood Drive Auburn CA

This triple-action eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around the eye area. Its combination of three peptides increases collagen production, capillary function and circulation to leave the eye area smooth, even and bright.

 Celebrities favorite for puffiness: Preparation H. Yes, the hemorrhoid cream is often lauded as a wonderful eye cream dermatologists confirm that it works. You just have to get over the fact that you’re applying hemorrhoid cream to your face.

Call me! Rhaina Butler LE at 530-305-3908

Let’s Create The Most Beautiful You!
just-be-beautiful.com
530-305-3908

Facial Massage Treatments

Facial massage is a treatment that helps achieve healthy, younger looking skin by slowing down the aging process.

Massage is considered to be one of the oldest forms of healing. Along with numerous skin benefits, facial massage also provides relief for stress, sinus congestion, and migraine headaches.

Having a facial massage on a regular basis can lead to firmer, more radiant skin by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, moisturizing, and releasing tension.

Facial Massage Includes

Head, Neck, Shoulder Massage

Facial Exfoliation w Steam

 Hand & Arm Exfoliation & Massage

 Paraffin Hand Dip

Facial Mask

 Finish Custom PCA Skin Care

Make Your Appointment Today 530-305-3908 With Rhaina. Click HERE to learn more about Just-Be-Beautiful.com

The Anti-aging Benefits of Retinol

Want beautiful, radiant skin that gives you an ageless appearance?

There's a proven anti-aging miracle worker on the market
and it's hiding right under our noses. “Vitamin A is the go-to skin-care ingredient,”

  Save 25% Off Retinol Treatments Below

Regular $125.00 Special Price $85.00

Microdermabrasion w Ultra Peel II: This advanced hydrating treatment tightenens and brightening.
The retinol (vitamin A) content helps increase cell turnover to keep skin looking fresh, while vitamin C strengthens the skin.
 
Microdermabrasion w Esthetique Peel: Its advanced formulation of lactic acid, retinol, and a host of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, brightening ingredients and humectants, smoothes, tightens and improves the texture of skin. It also helps correct many types of skin discoloration.

Detox Facial includes Ultra Peel II or Esthetique Peel: Its active blend of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids effectively penetrates pores to dissolve impactions and blackheads, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and remove excess cell debris to leave the skin hydrated, purified and clear.

Oxygenating Trio Includes Ultra Peel II or Esthetique Peel:  This antioxidant therapy corrects and prevents free radical damage. Helps stimulate circulation, rejuvenating sluggish, stressed skin as it draws oxygen to the skin’s surface, resulting in radiant, healthy skin.

Retinol Is On Dr. Oz's Anti-Aging Hot List

Retinol Renewal with RestorAtive Complex

  This potent corrective serum features restorAtive complex, a
unique blend of stabilized retinol and phyto-retinol that provides
numerous age controlling benefits. It replenishes vital
moisture- binding components and provides superior antioxidant
action to help achieve healthy, youthful skin.

Click HERE for Rhaina Butler.